Darren Walker, the longtime leader of the Ford Foundation, is heading to Hollywood to run one of its most influential indie powerhouses: Anonymous Content. The production and management company behind projects like “Spotlight” and “True Detective” has tapped him as its new president and CEO, marking a rare jump from philanthropy into frontline entertainment leadership.

According to Variety, Walker will be based in Los Angeles and New York and oversee all parts of the company, including film, television, talent representation, branded content, and its global operations. Anonymous Content’s board and backers are framing the move as a bet that his track record building cultural institutions can help the company navigate an industry still reeling from streaming upheaval, labor strikes, and consolidation.

“When I was approached about joining Anonymous Content, it became clear that this is a company defined by creative excellence, independent ownership, and the freedom to take long-term bets on artists and stories,” Walker said in a statement. “That independence, especially in a moment of profound change, uniquely positions Anonymous Content to shape culture for decades to come. I’m ready to get to work and carry that legacy forward.”

Anonymous Content is independently owned and backed by Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective, which recently increased its investment as the company looks to expand.

When it comes to receipts, Walker has plenty. At the Ford Foundation, he oversaw 500 employees globally and managed a $17 billion endowment.

In a 2024 interview with the Rockefeller Foundation, when asked about “the big bet” he’s most proud of, Walker beamed when he said, “The Grand Bargain in Detroit that helped to bring about the resolution of Detroit's historic, municipal bankruptcy.” During his tenure, the Ford Foundation played a major role in resolving Motor City’s 2013-2014 bankruptcy—the largest in U.S. history — through the $400 million philanthropic "Grand Bargain" committee, which he led.

Walker’s resumé spans philanthropy, finance, and art-world leadership, including roles with major museums and global nonprofits, which have often focused on equity and representation. 

Board members say they’re counting on him to deepen the company’s artist relationships and global reach while protecting the scrappy, creator-led identity that made Anonymous Content a launchpad for distinctive voices.

If it works, Walker’s jump from foundation offices to studio lots could become a blueprint for how culture-focused leaders help shape what the next generation sees on screen.